Abstract [en]

Preschool task in Sweden include the teaching of mathematics as a subject and as a way to develop children's skills and ability to apply mathematical thinking in different situations. This through an approach that, according to curriculum, should include different aesthetic activities and creative methods. In all training institutions for teachers, mathematics in preschool are taught in different ways - which means that the teaching about the aesthetic possibilities and mathematics in preschool varies. Our experience shows that many students express a negative self-image when it comes to being interested in mathematics, which in some way, even affect their conception of mathematics in preschool education and personal adjustment to accept "unusual" ways of learning mathematic.The study explore students' attitudes and beliefs about mathematics as a subject and how they use different aesthetic potentials in their own mathematics teaching in preschool, more specifically with puppet play as a method. What kind of attitudes do they express before their activities with the children? What kind of expression and conclusion presents when they describe their communication with children through aesthetic experiences? The study includes 70 students.Students will receive lessons on several aesthetic dimensions and the puppet as a mediating tool. They will choose a specific learning object to develop children's mathematical knowledge and experience, andthey will make their own robot, a rod puppet. The will plan their teaching before two-week practice in preschool. During and afterwards they will document, analyze and discuss their mathematical activities.The study will be conduct in February 2016 and analysis of collected data in March - April. The study results can help to develop and create teaching methods and content in how teachers can work with mathematics in a more inspiring and creative way. That means better approaches and conditions for children's mathematical education and development in preschool.